On the Wings

Update (Matt, 7:50 PM): Ansar Khan has an informative blog post up on the deal, including a breakdown of its conditions and a reaction. Check it out. - Matt

Update (Matt, 4:35 PM): George Malik has comments by Bertuzzi from the phone interview TSN did after the trade. Basically, Todd is excited to be a Wing and thankful that they have faith in him. He’s not 100% yet and isn’t going to rush his return, especially since the Wings are so comfortable in the standings, but sounds like he could be pretty close.

He’s going to be on WXYT 1270 AM (Detroit area) at 5:30 PM ET today. You can listen in at their website, just click Listen Live. - Matt

Update (Matt, 4:07 PM): I feel pretty dumb after my post yesterday on the Wings’ trading situation, in which I said, “it’s time to give up the idea of the Wings making a big acquisition,” among other related things.This is a Big Name acquisition, though I suppose part of my point still stands: that the Wings weren’t going to get someone they had to pay a high price for. They got a big name off the market, but overall they lost very little overall in the process. Both players they’ve brought in have a good shot at being big contributors.

At this point, it looks like Holland did a pretty good job. - Matt

Update (Matt, 3:45 PM): Okay, I’ve had some time to digest the deal and here’s my reaction: I think I’m going to find it a little hard to accept Bertuzzi as a Wing because it’s instinctual for me to think of him as the enemy (and not because of the Moore incident, per se). Plus, his health is a concern and will remain so even if he’s passed muster with the team’s health professionals.

However, if healthy, he can bring a lot to the team both in offensive ability and physicality. He’s what many Wings fans have lusted after for years, and now we finally have someone who, on paper, at least, can fulfill that desire for a big, bruising power forward.

When Chris Chelios came here, he was as hated a player and now he’s a fan favorite. I’m not saying that’ll happen with Bertuzzi, but I suppose it’s possible.

I’m conflicted. I felt dirty when I first read about the trade, but now excitement is rising. I’m interested in seeing how it all works out and I wish he were suiting up tonight. - Matt

Update (3:00): Here’s a little information on Shawn Matthias, the prospect we gave up for Bertuzzi. Red Wings Central has him ranked 13th in the prospects. He is currently playing for Belleville of the OHL. He was our second choice (47th overall) in the 2006 entry draft, and was not currently signed. He’s a good sized center and has 13 goals and 34 points in 67 games for Belleville this season. -Megan

Update (2:47): TSN just gave details. Apparently Florida gets another 2nd rounder if Bert re-signs. The conditional pick is based on team performance and Bertuzzi’s play. - Sarah

Update (2:36PM): It’s official. Bertuzzi is now a Wing. Not sure who the prospect is yet. Apparently someone in juniors. I’ll update as soon as I have more details -Sarah

TSN reports that the Florida Panthers have agreed on a deal to send Todd Bertuzzi to the Red Wings in exchange for a conditional draft pick and a prospect. The announcers caution that, given Bertuzzi’s injury status, the deal is pending until the official conference call with the league.